Figures released by Statistics New Zealand today show a strong increase in the meat and dairy manufacturing industry.

Sales volumes in the sector have risen more than 23% for the March 2009 quarter.

However, the total manufacturing sales volumes only went up slightly, and 12 of the 15 industries recorded significant falls, compared with last quarter.

Federated Farmers Policy Adviser, David Cooper, believes the positive figures for the meat and dairy sector are the result of a rise in demand, and drop in supply which could help pull the economy out of recession.